The University of Manchester has partnered with Microsoft, becoming the first university in the world to provide Microsoft 365 Copilot access and training to every student and member of staff.
The rollout will cover around 65,000 people across the institution and is due to be completed by summer 2026.
It is part of a wider programme aimed at improving AI literacy and ensuring responsible use of emerging technology.
The Russell Group university said universal access will support teaching, research and professional services work, while also helping to tackle an “emerging digital divide” by ensuring students can access advanced AI tools, regardless of personal circumstances.
The move builds on its long-standing links to AI research, pointing to Alan Turing’s work at the university and its current community of more than 1,600 researchers working across disciplines.
The university also said that Copilot could help researchers reduce time spent on routine tasks, accelerate data analysis and improve evidence gathering, while staff could use the tools to improve efficiency and focus on higher-value work.
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“AI is now part of everyday life,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, president and vice-chancellor of The University of Manchester.
“Our responsibility is not only to make these tools available to all our students and staff on an equitable basis, but to use the depth of expertise across our university to shape how AI is developed and applied for public good.
“By embracing the AI transformation early, we are working with students, colleagues and partners to maximise the benefits and manage risks responsibly.
“The great universities of the 21st century will be digitally enabled – this partnership represents a significant step on that journey for Manchester.”
Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK & Ireland, added, “As someone who grew up in Manchester, I’m proud to see the university extending access to Microsoft 365 Copilot across its entire community, helping 65,000 students and staff build the skills they’ll need to thrive in an AI‑enabled economy.
“This is a powerful example of how we can pair Manchester’s deep AI heritage with responsible, ethical adoption that helps to close the digital divide and equip people to learn, research and work more effectively.”
The initiative follows a pilot between 2024 and 2025, where the university said 90% of licensed users adopted Copilot within 30 days, with around half using it several times a week.
It will deliver the rollout in partnership with the Students’ Union, trade unions and staff networks, and will work with the tech giant to ensure transparency around environmental and wider impacts.